University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Endothelial Metabolism Lab

The laboratory of Dr. Boa Kim at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral fellow. We study how metabolism and metabolic enzymes in vascular cells contribute to health and disease by leveraging genetically engineered mouse models, in vitro cell culture with physiological and pathophysiological stimuli, isotope metabolite tracing, metabolomics, and genome-wide crispr screening. 

We are a 3-year-old lab currently consisting of one postdoctoral fellow, three postbaccalaureate technicians, and several undergraduate students. With the recent award of 5 years of NIH funding, we plan to recruit an additional postdoctoral fellow and a graduate student over the next few years.

More information about the Kim lab can be found here: http://www.boakimlab.com

Qualification:

• We are seeking a postdoctoral researcher with an interest in Vascular Biology! 
• We welcome candidates from diverse research backgrounds. 
• Prior experience in Vascular Biology is highly desirable, but not required. 

Potential research topics include:

1. Lipid droplet metabolism in vascular cells (eg. Endothelial or Smooth Muscle Cells)
2. Metabolism in vascular diseases (eg. Atherosclerosis, Hypertension, Aortic Dissection, Lymphatic Dysfunction, etc)

Representative publications:

1. Endothelial lipid droplets suppress eNOS to link high fat consumption to blood pressure elevation (Kim et al. JCI, 2023):

https://www.jci.org/articles/view/173160

1. Glutamine fuels proliferation but not migration of endothelial cells (Kim et al. EMBO, 2017):

https://link.springer.com/article/10.15252/embj.201796436

1. Endothelial pyruvate kinase M2 maintains vascular integrity (Kim et al. JCI, 2018):

https://www.jci.org/articles/view/120912

1. HIF2α inhibits glutaminase clustering in mitochondria to sustain growth of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (Zhao et al. JCI Insight, 2025):

https://insight.jci.org/articles/view/182711

What You’ll Do

• Lead 2-3 independent project. 
• Design and execute rigorous experiments; analyze, interpret, and present findings; and prepare manuscripts under supervision.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present at conferences 
• Contribute to a supportive lab culture and mentor junior trainees

What You Bring

• PhD or MD/PhD (or near completion).
• Strong motivation in research
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Why Join Us

• Direct mentorship from Dr. Kim to help you achieve your career goal.
• Access to state-of-the-art core facilities at UNC.
• A collaborative environment that values innovation and scientific rigor.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send the following materials to boakim@unc.edu

1. Cover letter describing your research experience and interests.

2. CV including contact information for three references.

About UNC-Chapel Hill

The UNC was the first public university in the nation, established in 1789. Renowned for its rigorous academic programs and impactful research, UNC-Chapel Hill is considered one of the Public Ivies. Chapel Hill is one of few places that offer world class research opportunities with a high quality of life.